Before the midseason showcase commences Friday, the center of the basketball universe could be found across the state line with Arizona, as the Phoenix Suns formally introduced Kevin Durant following a blockbuster trade with the Brooklyn Nets last week.
he suffered on Jan. 8. Since moving westward in a deal that sent Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder, four unprotected first-round picks and a first-round pick swap to Brooklyn, Durant has worked out with his new teammates, attended the Suns’ home win over the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday and modeled his new No. 35 jersey, a return to the number he wore with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Golden State Warriors before donning No. 7 with the Nets.
“I know how significant a championship is to a franchise and a city. I’ve been a part of two of those. I’m looking forward to getting back on the road to try to do it again. But I know how tough it is and how hard it is.” Durant’s journey has featured an unusually high number of stops for an all-time great. After attending multiple high schools, he spent a one-and-done season at the University of Texas, his rookie season with the Seattle SuperSonics, eight seasons with the Thunder after the franchise relocated, three years with the Warriors and three-plus years with the Nets.
The 13-time all-star forward has the potential to make the Suns the team to beat in a Western Conference that has been marked by parity this season. Phoenix entered Thursday as the No. 4 seed with a 32-27 record, just four games back of the second-seeded Memphis Grizzlies. Durant and Booker give the Suns perhaps the NBA’s best one-two scoring punch, and Durant’s pairing with center Deandre Ayton will make for a long and athletic frontcourt combination on defense.
Charles Barkley says Kevin Durant can be a bus driver after Suns trade: “There’s a tremendous amount of pressure on him. He should lead that team. If they win it, older guys like myself will give him the credit… He’s sensitive about it but he don’t get to change the narrative.”
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Kevin Durant introduced by Phoenix Suns: Highlights from his introductory news conferenceHere are some of Kevin Durant's initial comments from his introductory press conference Thursday with the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center.
Read more »
Kevin Durant cheered by fans, says Phoenix Suns have 'all the pieces to be successful'Nearly every time Durant tried to speak on Thursday, he was interrupted by cheers from fans overjoyed by the biggest superstar arrival in Phoenix since the Suns traded for Charles Barkley in 1992.
Read more »
Kevin Durant ready to work, win championship with Phoenix SunsKevin Durant had his introductory press conference Thursday at Footprint Center.
Read more »
Kevin Durant introduced by Phoenix Suns: Highlights from introductory news conference“I want to go out there and do the most that I can and be the best that I can ... I appreciate the warm welcome, but I’ve got more work to do.’’ - Kevin Durant
Read more »
Kevin Durant will make Suns fans go 'Wow,' says Kings coach Mike BrownSacramento Kings coach Mike Brown raved about new Suns forward Kevin Durant as the two were in Golden State together when Brown was an assistant.
Read more »
Suns top Kings 120-109 with Kevin Durant watching from benchDevin Booker scored 32 points, Deandre Ayton had 29 points and 11 rebounds, and the Phoenix Suns beat the Sacramento Kings 120-109 on Tuesday night with superstar acquisition Kevin Durant watching from the bench.
Read more »